Soon after the province announced a lifting of the can ban, the City of Charlottetown is enacting a ban of its own, this time its on bottled
water.
In a letter to the local branch of the Council of Canadians, Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee said city council recently met to discuss a letter from the group requesting the city switch from using bottled water to tap water.
It was the decision of (city) council that the City of Charlottetown would cease purchasing bottled water, Lee said in the letter.
Bottled water will no longer be permitted in all city premises and workplaces and all city council and committee meetings.
Leo Broderick of the Council of Canadians said he is very pleased with the citys decision.
Its wonderful news. Theyve been spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on bottled water for the last few years, so this is good.
Broderick said its sending a message that the mayor and city councillors are saying municipal water is safe to drink.
Theyre also saying its clear that bottled water causes a severe strain on the environment.
The Council of Canadians now hopes the city will begin a public education campaign to convince all city residents to use tap water instead of buying bottled water, he said.
I think we need to continue putting the pressure on other municipalities and the provincial government if its purchasing bottled water to cease that practice and to use tap water. Municipal water systems are safer than bottled water. The standards are higher.
If the politicians are not drinking city water, it sends a bad message, he said.
I think this shows that the city is sincere about dealing with the issue and ensuring the message gets out that its water system is safe.
There is a lack of confidence now about the Islands water, given the fact that nitrates contaminate some water systems, he said.
But municipal systems check on a regular basis for contamination, and one of the things that they do check for are nitrates.
Broderick said Charlottetown might be the first city in Canada to ban bottled water and that Vancouver is also considering a ban.
Its quite controversial out there, as well.
Charlottetown mayor orders halt to bottled water
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Comments
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- Councillor Rob
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:43:19
There appears to be some confusion over this decision. Council has not banned the sale of bottled water in Charlottetown as some apparently believe. We couldnt possibly do that. We have simply decided the city corporation will stop purchasing bottled water, for a number of very good reasons. The city is in the business of providing clean, safe drinking water. To have city council and staff drinking from bottles of commercially purchased water is analogous to Coke executives sitting around the boardroom table drinking Pepsi. We are simply endorsing our product, not to mention saving money, and doing our part to discourage the commodification of a resource that is a fundamental human right.
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- BRIAN
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:42:17
After living in PEI for 16 years & moving back to ONTARIO to earn a decent wage I find it irronic that the PEI Government banned canned beverages to save jobs at Seamens but now are banning bottled water that is distributed by an Island company.Time for Binns to retire to find out what it like to live on an average workers salary.OH yah I forgot He will get a big pension from the Island taxpayers
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- hs2o
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:42:14
So I have a question. Does this mean, if I attend a city council meeting to listen, I can't take in a bottle of water that I've filled at home myself from a Brita filter system? Or is this just for city workers?
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- W
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:40:28
To: A New arrival from Now PE:
Nope you don't get a say, neither do any of us I'm afraid.
Welcome to little ole PEI with all of it's charm. Home of Green Gables, the best potatos in the world and friendly hospitality. I can suggest a great place to stay, a great place to eat, a great show to take in and things to do. You'll have to excuse the communist government though...we've modeled after Castro. -
- no name
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:39:09
What are they thinking. At my place of work the only thing we are allowed at our desks are bottled water. Who thinks of these ideas.
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- Fred
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:39:00
I think it is stupid to ban water. When summer comes, the city will be telling people to use less water. You wnt people to drink the city's water and then in June you tell them not to, to conserve it. It makes no sense!
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- Jeremy is
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:38:17
Wil City Hall also remove the numerous bottled water coolers (18 litre size on water cooler stands) throughout the building. Or will Councillors and staff simply be drinking botled water from a larger bottle - an 18 litre bottle instead of 500ml ?
Leo will want answers. The Council of Canadians will be watching, the whole world is watching... from which water source the esteemed Council will draw the sacred nectar.
Me t'inks it's gonna be da big bottle replac'in da small bottle bye. -
- Green
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:36:52
Issues like this are coming from the same group of dummies that run candidates in BC who say the west deserved the attack on 9/11. A real quality field of candidates. How can we ever take this movement seriously?
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- anita
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:35:17
GOOD IF I HAVE TO DRINK WATER FILLED WITH FERTILIZER SO DO YOU!!!!!
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- Someone normal
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:31:38
Just because everyone walks around here & looks like they have been drinking contaminated water all their life dont think Im gonna I will have it sent from Good ole NS What ya gonna do about that !
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- CM
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:31:00
correct #47 - people don't read the article and are confusing the province-wide canned pop ban with this decision affecting the use of bottled water in city hall and a few city-owned/operated buildings
i support the decision for the bottled water, i only wish the posters on this topic would READ THE ARTICLE !!!! -
- W
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:29:02
Hey, Are you guys serious?
Who gives a rats arse that the city is buying bottled water. At least it's an honest venture. Too bad we can't say the same for all of the business that takes place there.
BTW maybe Leo Broderick should just be a librarian like he was in my high school, instead of finding everything he can find fault with to protest and be outraged with. C'mon Leo this is like the longest political campaign in history. Give it a rest...you've gotten all of the voters I'm sure you will ever get next time you run, from your antics. -
- Bernie
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:27:07
Just for the record, St. Catharines made a formal motion to eliminate non-essential bottled water late January. See http://www.for-legacies-sake.ca/issues/sustainability/bottled-water.lasso
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- Joe Blown
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:25:01
It seems fair that all forms of bottled water, even in water coolers be banned as it clearly undermines public confidence in the City's waer supply.
Well done, and let's hope there are no SECRET water coolers hiding in the staff kitchen or in out of the way locations where the public can't see were Councillors and staff are spending public money, MY money. -
- Hank
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:24:31
The ban on bottled water is as dumb as the ban on canned pop. If someone wants their own drinking water, the Province should not have to pay for it. We should also wonder who ever decided to pay for it in the first place and why.
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- Leo Knows Best?
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:22:22
Look you simple people, it's just a basic planning principle, Leo knows best for all. May the sun rise and set on Charlottetown's budha !! If he says 'no bottle water' sit up and listen because it's going to happen. It's according to the WOrd of Leo, or Leo's Decree.
Happily I live, work and play three provinces away...for those of you stuck in the deep red mud, obey the Word of Leo !! -
- anonymous
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:56
I think that if people want to drink our tap water then all the power to them, and if they dont want to drink it then stop complaining and just dont drink it!!
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- Alex
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:34
Man, the education system in PEI has slipped big-time, judging by the pathetic whiners on this forum.
This decision makes sense.
I pay property taxes to the city corporation and I also pay water rates for their water & sewer utility (which is also subsidized by my property taxes).
Why should the city be allowing a competing water source to its own utility for its employees and elected officials?
This will prove their confidence in what the utility produces (I certainly do).
Charlottetown's drinking water is the only guaranteed water supply in PEI to not have nitrates, largely because the utility bought the Winter River watershed back in the 1930s to prevent runoff and contamination into the well fields. -
- L
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:21
Thats the most STUPID idiotic thing I have ever heard, so basically what they are trying to say is that they would rather people drink the swill in the taps over good water... nice thinking, now people will die from injesting too many chemicals from their tap water!!!! SMART
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- Matt
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:02
Wow, did any of you actually read the article? The city has only banned bottle water for the people that work for the city or if you are in a city building. This has nothing to do with the average person. Unless you work for the city or regularly enter a city owned building this will not effect you. Try reading the article for a change.
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- Jarrod
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:19:43
Good story. I can tell from the replies a lot of people don't know what kind of damage plastic bottles cause on environments. If we lived in Boston, Toronto or Los Angeles, I could understand the need for bottled water. But we're fortunate enough to live in a place where the water tastes great in my opinion.
Rachel from C'town, PEI writes: This is probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. I haven't had a sip of tap water in a couple years and I don't intend to do so now, I think it's disgusting and vile and I'll have nothing to do with it.
You, missy, should take a trip to a third world country or even a large metro in North America. Compare the water here and there. You'd be singing a different tune. You're that concerned about the quality of the water you drink...fair enough. But do you take other measures to avoid anything bad in life? Do you exercise everyday? Do you smoke? Do you wear sunblock? Do you eat 10 servings of vegetables a day?
It's people like you making a big song and dance over the quality of tap waters, or bottled waters you like or dislike who really grind my gears. -
- A new arrival
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:14:35
This province is MESSED. Ban here, ban there, everywhere a ban ban. When are we going to be told what we can and can not wear? Is that next? Is this a dictatorship? Do we not have any say in any of this?
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- Dianne
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:13:50
Banning bottled water???? You have got to be kidding right? Who in their infinite wisdom could even conceive of such a ridiculous idea?
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- Joe
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:12:18
This is actually quite a surprising environmental move coming from our Province. And since PEI has the population of a medium sized apartment complex, why are we paying people to come up with these kind of laws! My street has a pot-hole, this popped my tire, please use government funds to make laws against crappy roads or something useful. If you want to help the enviornment, force us to drive hybrids or somthing! Anyway, I hope you are all having a good day. These plastic bottles should be recycled anyway, if they are not, more power to this law.
I do question the ability to deal with any future e-coli scares.
Well, better business for Brita I guess. -
- W
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:11:26
To: Alex
Pathetic whiners? Maybe.
However we do deserve a choice to purchase our water from other sources. Even if we do pay property taxes, which in turn subsidizes Water and Sewer).
What right does our government have to tell me that I can't purchase and consume bottled water. It is neither an illegal susbstance, nor a controlled substance.
I don't do politics. I don't agree with them, but what I do agree with is the fact that PEI and it's governmental bodies deal in protectionism. This practice is neither fair nor ethical. Poor business practices will just make people less and less willing to go along with the government decrees.
BTW Alex, I feel truly sorry for you that you would have to come on here and attack people for their beliefs and opinions on the matter, but then again, I'm guessing you are just a schmuck painted into a corner by the suit you wear for the city. My condolences. -
- Alex
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:10:49
WS - you can't be serious? You obviously did not read the article like the other losers complaining about this decision.
Try reading Councilor Lantz's comment - it is only in city-owned buildings.
You really shouldn't have dropped out at grade 6 to work in the farm fields picking potatoes from the manure. Step back, take a deep breath and remove the hayseed from your teeth.
That's a good boy. And mind the sheep - we don't like your kind around the livestock. -
- no name
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:10:19
Maybe if the water actually tasted good, we'd drink it. Banning bottled water! What idiots!
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- The Real Joe
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:06:51
The reading skill of this province is laughable.
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- karen
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:06:37
I was in Moncton for the week-end visiting family I will never take my Island water for granted again. The water is yellow, it has an oder and things floating in it. This is what they drank and showered in. Give thanks to our clear oder free water.
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- Aquaman
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:06:27
I am surprised they didn't order if you buy a small bottle of water you'll receive 50 lashes and a big bottle you'll get stoned. Geez, If you want to drink city water a.k.a. toilet water then drink it and if you don't then simply don't. Who the hell are you to ban bottled water? Last time I checked I was living in Canada and not in a communist country.
Aquafina - Make your body happy. -
- Rachel
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:06:06
This is probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. I haven't had a sip of tap water in a couple years and I don't intend to do so now, I think it's disgusting and vile and I'll have nothing to do with it. I guess we are just going to have to stock up on coolers on packs of bottles because they are gonna be illegal soon, like I care what they say and I could care less what the council drank, tap or bottles it's not going to change my decision on what I want to drink, that would be a little naiive i think.
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- Iquiring minds
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:04:46
Why do nuts and their groups like the one that speaks for Canadians wield such power on PEI? Why does the media enable it? These self-interest groups have to be stood up to. Where is the Island backbone? What type of people are we electing? Where are candidates of quality?
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- Bruce
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:04:22
Water bottles should be banned from city council meetings and workplaces.It sure is tough to carry all that MOONSHINE in a cup.
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- Chester Field
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:02:25
I can't comment on the bottled stuff they have at the city depts....but I'm sure it cannot compare to the bottled stuff at the bootleggers.....LOL...Oh, and by the way its in glass bottles....good for the envirnoment....hehehehe
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- An Islander
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:51
I agree with Alex and the Real Joe Blow, you folks need to read. The city is not banning bottled water for you to consume, but they are trying to make a statement that they will drink what they manage . My question is when it become normal for everyone to think that they need to pay 2 dollars for a bottle of water that is an absolute waste of landfill space and energy to transport it and cool it. Plus, the research states that plastic bottles contaminate the water in many ways. If you are not happy with your water, advocate for change through your political system, hold your provincial government to health oriented crop management procedures to strop toxic run offnot JUST the bottom line!
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- Het tp, get with the
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:39
This directive came from the 'Farmer's Market.' Best you not suggest Council disobey a petition and two angry citizens. Bottled water is the biggest issue to come along since...passing a resolution to end the NHL strike! Let them have their moment in the sun, waterworld style.
Hail the long neck pop bottle!! -
- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:12
News Girl - you can trust Evian water. Its more expensive so it has got to be better, right?
Wait...Evian spelled backwards is... NAIVE? Dagnabbit, I feel like such an illiterate hick. -
- P
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:03
I don't think that this was intended for citizens of Charlottetown, I think was meant for the City Council and it's workers. They are just trying to promote that the city water is safe and good to drink. Just like the Buckleys Commercial or thereof, it tastes aweful but it works or in this but is drinkable .LMFAO
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- Richard
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:58:25
you, sir (mr. mayor), are ridiculous
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- P
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:58:20
Living in the country and having our own wells, we do not get the taste of chlorine found in the city water. While living in town for education purposes, we do not drink the water because the amount of chlorine in tap water is ridiculous and banning bottled water is one of the most stupidest ideas (many more) that the city has come up with.
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- immac
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:47
Re: Comments by David Suzuki on bottled water. Leaching petroleum products from the plastic bottles is worse than city water. Check it out!!!!
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- Dianne
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:23
Banning bottled water???? You have got to be kidding right? Who in their infinite wisdom could even conceive of such a ridiculous idea?
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- Happy
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:21
I would just like to say that I have been drinking bottled Charlottetown water for many years. The city water is tested more than private company water; but this water undergoes further regular testing to ensure quality. I support locally bottled water by buying my water from Island Pure Waters in Charlottetown. (And not from off-island... ) They take city water, purify it using reverse osmosis (removing nearly 100%) of any impurities. I challenge you to taste a finer and safer water anywhere...
Where is your water bottled?...maybe from that big Canadian Springs truck from Truro, Nova Scotia...? -
- News
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:55:05
This is from the article:
'Bottled water will no longer be permitted in all city premises and workplaces and all city council and committee meetings. '
SEE ?
That's it - in city premises and workplaces or at city meetings.
The illiterate hicks on this forum can continue to waste their own money and damage our environment by buying water, but the stuff from the tap is tested (bottled is not tested) and I trust it far more than what comes from a private company. -
- Zen and the Art of
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:51:02
Is 'food' a basic human right as per the above post in # 28 ? Is 'shelter' a basic human right as per post # 28 ?
Council openly encourages and subsidizes the 'commodification' of food and shelter by approving grocery stores, restaurants, apartments, condos and houses, what makes water any different ?
Municipal councils are tasked with operating sewers and parks, police and fire. Best the world of human rights be left to those with the mandate.
Surely this Council is not intending on sending someone to the UN Water Summit in NYC on MY dime? African safari's is where the line should be drawn... or at free Armani suits for Councillors... or free hockey tickets for Councillors... or free lunch's from Sam's... ahh, MY taxes at 'work.' -
- happy
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:50:36
You know that game we use to play in elementry school the one where you whisper a secret in my ear and I whisper it in someone elses and so on it goes till it gets to the last person in the line and they tell it and it's so far from the origional secret .I think most of PEI still plays this game lol
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- RE/MAX atrocities
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:49:09
Are Real Estate agents acting against human rights by 'commodifying' shelter which is a basic human right? Council logic says 'YES'. Let's outlaw Real Estate agents!
Chefs and restauranteurs are next on the list as the 'commodification' of food is on the rise in Charlottetown. Let Council hear the cries for freedom from the oppresion and drudgery of curley fries!! Outlaw restaurants as it 'comodifies' a basic human right, food.
Comforted at the level of though provolking debate at Council. God bless the real estae agents and restaurant owners for Councilis on the march... to no where. -
- Taxpayer Watch
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:46:37
Is it an ALL out ban on water derived from bottles? This would mean bye bye to the water coolers and the huge expense incurred by City taxpayers for staff and Council to drink from water coolers instead of the tap. Glad to see ALL forms of bottled water are being banned from the premises!!
Maybe the clothing allownace is next to go (Councillors milking tax payers for new suits/pantsuits every election). -
- waterboyjoe
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:45:07
news girl....we get our bottled water tested every month..it goes to the health board.....furthermore.....our water is 98% purified so why would anybody wanna drink city water with all thats in it....might cost a few cents/glass but better for the body!!
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- Sensational
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:44:36
Charlottetown mayor orders halt to bottled water
Tis headline was poorly chosen, but typical. -
- L
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:43:35
Comment # 30: If you live 3 provinces away then why are u under PEI for your comment? and if u are 3 provinces away why dont u worry about your own town instead of mocking people from here??? no punt intended I'm just wondering
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- Mark
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:42:31
Wow...this has got to be a gag or really bad joke.
Have you guys/gals in suits really been drinking bottled water? Shame on you all...but I do welcome you to the new millenium.
hope my Parliament is dealing with more serious issues like kitty collars or tricycle safety for kids over 10 years of age.
GET REAL PEOPLE. -
- Brad
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:42:11
Most forward thinking employers ( thats what the city is, an employer) have gone to bottled water for liabiltity reasons. Employers must provide potable water and if this is not possible then an alternative must be provided to the worker. Potable water must be pumped and processed. I see less enviromental strain with bottled water as the water is ready to use once it is despensed, there is no need to run the tap for minutes on end to get a cold drink. Good water among other lifestyle choices reduces the chance of illness. The real issue here is the tendency to ban. Humans are quite able to make their own choices especially in this age of enlightenment via the vast network of knowledge provided by globel communication. Castro is circling the bowl and so is this city council .
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- Jed
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:42:06
Fine.Ya'all kin keep yer darn canned water.Mabee We shood all just stop eetin taters tu!Git a reel weery.
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- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:40:49
Are council really that easily swayed? Someone attends a council meeting, sees a couple of people drinking bottled water, causes a bit of a stir, and council bans it.
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- Long neck bottles of
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:38:45
A tasty long neck bottle of Pop beats bottled/ cooler water any day. But alas, the Charlottetown intelligencia have the long neck in sight. Cans will now replace the charming sight of Councillors taking a swig of orange pop from a frosty long neck bottle. The world is changing at break neck speed.
The next thing you know, Councillors will be buying their own clothes!! -
- Smelly Drawers
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:37:58
Jarrod, If you want your gears ground down, we're here to help. The Dorchester Crowd await your arrival!!
Is water a basic human right like food and shelter? If so, post # 28 might want to rethink Councils position on approving apartments buildings and restuarants as they pose a threat to 'commodifcation' - almost too funny for words. We're still hurling over that one!!
